Me and my lead dogs over Christmas

Harrison, my parents, Ian and me at a Christmas Ball

At our friends' the Minnemas house

Me and Zoe in London

Richard the Lionheart

Good 'ole Big Ben!

Rain! Good sermons and a restful refreshing afternoon yesterday. I went running this morning and met a friend halfway through, which was pretty fun. It's more motivating to know someone is waiting for you at the other end.
Ashley and I had a tea party and read Beatrix Potter books this morning, as Emily V. was out. Ashley's tea consists of half a cup of milk and a splash of tea, which guarantees that it's "cold". Peter has started sitting at the table with the rest of the family in an Ikea high chair which is pretty much a real chair with a guard thing to keep him from falling out. He scares me half to death at random moments throughout the day when I turn around to see that he has climbed up into his chair and is standing up swaying back and forth (needless to say, the bar thing on the chair doesn't really work). He hasn't fallen down yet...he must have a finely honed sense of balance. Good thing.

We had a great day yesterday. We went for lunch to a friend's house, and older lady from the church. Her house is very cute: it's on a tiny little lane right next to an old church and Peterhouse (the oldest college in Cambridge). She ushered us up to her little sitting room where Luci, a friend of mine who boards with her, entertained us for a few minutes while she finished up the lunch preparations. She is the most proper little lady and had lived a fascinating life. Just to hear her stories!
After lunch she took us to see Peterhouse, which was charming. We met one of her friends there who turned out to be an excellent tour guide. There are so many unique, fascinating people here in this town--"a disproportionate number," as my mom would say.

I never thought I'd hear a three year old say "that's a good point", but I did this morning. Ashley was agreeing with a point I had unconsciously made while I was baking with her, something about stirring or something... I thought it was pretty funny, even though it doesn't sound as funny when I write it. Hmmm.

Les Miz was amazing! I'm not a good judge as musicals go, I guess, as this was the first one I've ever been to, but I thought it was just wonderful. The acting was cool, the music, the story (of course)...
I've been having a great time with my mom here. We had a good time in London. We walked all over the city seeing all of the sights. It was a gloriously beautiful day, with clear blue sky that is uncommon for this area. I wore heavy boots that looked good with my outfit and were perfectly sensible for riding to work and back last summer, but were not a good choice for walking the width and breadth of London... My feet still hurt. I had fun anyway!
It was so nice to get to introduce Mom to all the lovely people that have befriended me in the church here. I feel like I belong here more now that she has been here, it's like benediction a for her to like the same places and people that I love.

Dude! I haven't written for a very long time! I have just gotten back to Cambridge this week after being home for three weeks. I had a lovely time being home and in Alaska with my family and friends as well as seeing my dogs and horses again! We went sledding, skiing, skijoring, riding, dogmushing, stayed up all night watching movies and playing board games...just loads of fun.
My mom came back with me and will be here for another week. We are going to London today to see Les Miserables (I'm pretty sure I misspelled that but you know what I'm talking about). I'm looking forward to it! We have been having a great time together, I am so happy she could come!